From the June, 2007 issue of Stock Car Insider
Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway
For much of the race on Sunday, you would have been a fool to pick some one other than Robby Gordon to win the race. For practically the entire race, Robby had the best car in the field. Robby's top-notch road racing skills coupled with superior equipment is almost comparable to watching Michael Jordon in his NBA prime playing against an average college basketball squad.However, the only thing Robby didn't have nailed down Sunday was his fuel strategy. Having to pit late in the race, Gordon was shuffled back deep in the field and unable to recover. This left drivers Juan Pablo Montoya's, Jamie McMurray & Kevin Harvick to duke it out for the win.
In the closing laps, of the three drivers, Harvick was the only driver confident he could make it to the end on fuel. Both McMurray and Montoya were told they would be a few laps short. Deciding not to force the inevitable, Harvick laid back in third waiting to see the other two slowly run of gas. But how does the old saying go? Don't count your chickens before they hatch, and don't ever assume the two lead cars will run out of gas leaving you to inherit the victory. Had Harvick charged, he may have had Montoya's place in victory lane.
Other drivers to note:
Jeff Gordon started at the rear of the field after failing to pass the NASCAR inspection. In order for the 4 time former champion to make his way to the front, he had to use clever pit strategy. In the end, Gordon finished in 7th and now sits 271 points ahead of 2nd place driver Denny Hamlin.
Denny Hamlin has showcased his strong road-racing skills in his short tenure at NASCAR's top level. Perhaps having Tony Stewart as a teammate doesn't hurt, but this young talent is already showing that he's one of the top drivers in NASCAR. Hamlin finished in 10th.
Jimmie Johnson had to overcome the same obstacles as teammate Jeff Gordon after having been sent to the rear of the pack for failing his inspection. The reigning champ rebounded to finish in 17th position and now sits 3rd in points.
Matt Kenseth again showed that road courses are no friend of his. The normally consistent top 10 driver finished in a dismal 34th place. Kenseth now sits 4th in points, 433 behind the leader.
Dale Earnhardt Jr proved that he is a dominant force to be reckoned with when it comes to playing EA Sports NASCAR Thunder. Jr uses the video game as a tool to help him prepare for the road courses on circuit. Dale ran up front for most of the day after qualifying in 3rd position. He finished in 13th and maintained his grip on the coveted 12th position in points.
| See complete 2007 NASCAR Schedule |
